Page 56 of The Refuge

When the physic finished bandaging his wound, Steinar took the seat the king waved him toward and waited for Malcolm to say more.

“As I recall, William gave your lands to one of his henchmen.”

“Aye, one of the Conqueror’s favored knights.”

“Well, ’tis no matter,” the king said, flicking his hand as if brushing off dust. “It so happens that a year ago I lost a faithful mormaer in a vicious attack that destroyed all he held. The lands have since stood without protection, without even a hillfort. I am of a mind to give you those lands on the condition you guard them well and respond to my call for men-at-arms when it comes.”

Steinar could not believe the king’s words. Lands of his own! Steinar’s spirits soared. “I would be most willing, My Lord.”

“Aside from your years of service as scribe, you have won the respect of my men,” said the king, his demeanor serious. “First you spared one of Rhodri’s archers the blade of that bully, Rian, and then you rescued your king from a Norman’s sword. There are many who would go with you were they given the chance. I would provide a contingent of warriors and sufficient Saxon servants to help you rebuild.”

Steinar moved from where he sat to kneel at the feet of the king, offering his hands in pledge. “My Lord, I pledge my fealty to you unto death.”

The king placed his hands around Steinar’s. “I accept your pledge. For your service and for preserving the life of your king, you shall have lands in the Vale of Leven and I will bestow upon you the title Mormaer of Levenach.”

The Vale of Leven. Catrìona’s home! And a title! His heart raced in his chest and he fought the rising emotion bringing tears to his eyes. Never had he dreamed he would receive such a boon from the king. But as he kneeled before Malcolm, he suddenly realized the mormaer who had been killed was Catrìona’s father and it had been her home that was attacked.

The king dropped his hands and his dark eyes pierced Steinar where he knelt. “So be it. But say naught of this yet, Scribe. I will announce it in due time.”

Steinar nodded. “As you wish.”

Malcolm stood and motioned for Steinar to rise.

“My Lord,” Steinar asked the king, “what of Cormac’s son, Niall?” He had in mind his own loss of Talisand.

“The young archer? He is only beginning to prove himself. The lands are mine to give as I see fit. You have earned your place among my mormaers. Niall can remain with my archers or go with you, if that be his desire.” Then the king turned to face Duff where he lay on the pallet. “What say you of my new liege man?”

Duff’s eyes opened. “A good choice to replace Cormac.”

Steinar was grateful for the affirmation and the approving smile Fife’s mormaer gave him. He did not wish to appear greedy, but he would risk Malcolm’s ire if it would gain him the hand of the woman who would render his lands a home. “My Lord?”

The king turned back to him. “You have a question?”

“Aye. Might I not be in need of a wife to raise up sons to serve you?”

The king laughed and Duff joined him, exchanging a few barbs about “the eager scribe” which Steinar ignored.

The physic covered a smile with his hand before closing his leather pouch of medicines, salves and potions and, with a bow to the king, quit the tent.

“Aye, a wife would be in order,” said Malcolm. Still appearing amused, he raised a brow. “Have you one in mind?”

“I do, My Lord. And she knows well the land you would give me to hold. ’Tis Catrìona of the Vale of Leven, one of the queen’s ladies.”

The king turned to Duff. “Is that the redhead?”

Duff grinned, waggling his bushy brows. “Aye, the very one, Cormac’s daughter. Audra told me she has become a favorite of your queen.”

Malcolm gave Steinar a sharp glance before shaking his head. “Many have asked for that lady’s hand, Scribe, including the captain of my guard. I owe Colbán much. He has faithfully served me in defiance of his people. He is from Moray, the land of my old enemy, Mac Bethad.”

Cruel fragments of hope slipped through Steinar’s hands. To gain lands yet lose the woman who would make them a home left him feeling empty, deprived of the hope he had clung to. The king would not refuse his faithful captain the woman he wanted. Steinar liked Colbán, a stalwart warrior and a strong leader of men. But he could not picture the rough captain with the free-spirited Catrìona. Steinar’s mind rebelled at the idea of another man having her, of fathering her children. He wanted her for his own.

The king must have observed Steinar’s dismay, for he slapped him on the back and said, “Cheer up, Scribe. I shall find you a lady to bear you fine sons.”

* * *

Catrìona hurried up the stairs to her chamber, anxious to tell Fia the news. Flinging open the door, out of breath, she shouted, “The king… he returns!”

“He is here?” her cousin asked from where she sat on the stool combing her long dark hair.